Tanaka Farm, located in the heart of Irvine, California is a family-owned and operated farm that has been in business for over four generations. The farm is known for its high-quality produce, including strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at Tanaka Farm, its history, and all the fun activities you can find at the farm for families and kids.
A Family Tradition
Tanaka Farm was founded in the 1920s by Japanese immigrants who brought their farming skills and knowledge to the United States. Today, the farm is run by the fourth generation of the Tanaka family, who continue to uphold the farm's traditional values of hard work, dedication, and a commitment to producing the freshest and most delicious produce.
Farm to Table
One of the things that sets Tanaka Farm apart from other farms is its farm-to-table approach. This means that the farm grows, harvests, and sells its produce directly to consumers, without the use of intermediaries. This allows the farm to ensure that its berries are picked at the peak of ripeness and are of the highest quality. It also allows the farm to build a strong relationship with its customers, who can trust that the produce they are buying is truly fresh and delicious.
Related: 24 Amazing Family Farms and Petting Zoos Near Los Angeles šš
Activities at Tanaka Farm
Tanaka Farm offers a variety of activities for kids and families to enjoy. Some of the most popular activities include:
U-Pick Experience: Visitors can come to the farm and pick their own fruit and veggies, which is a fun and unique way to experience the farm and its produce. The farm has designated areas for u-pick, where visitors can pick their own strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries.
Farm Tours: The farm offers guided tours that provide an in-depth look at the farm's operations, including its farming practices, irrigation systems, and berry production. The tours are educational and interactive, and are suitable for all ages.
Educational Programs: Tanaka Farm partners with local schools and organizations to provide educational opportunities for children and families. These programs are designed to teach children about farming, sustainability, and the importance of healthy eating.
Family-Friendly Events: The farm hosts a variety of family-friendly events throughout the year, such as berry festivals, cooking demonstrations, and live music. These events provide a fun and enjoyable way for families to experience the farm and its produce.
Farm Stand: The farm stand is a great place to purchase pre-picked fruit and veggies, as well as other farm-fresh products such as jams, jellies, and syrups. Visitors can also purchase a variety of homemade goods.
Tours š
Tanka farm offers a variety of tours throughout the year:
Strawberry Tours: Strawberry tours are seasonal and are happening every year from March through May.
Watermelon Tours: Watermelon tours are also seasonal and are happening every year from July through August.
U-Pick Tours: U-Pick Tours are very popular tours and are happening all year long.
U-Pick Pumpkin Patch: U-Pick Pumpkin Patch tours are also seasonal and are happening every year in October.
Hikari: A Festival of Lights
Hikari, A Festival of Lights is an event that takes place at Tanaka Farm during the winter season. It is a magical and spectacular event where the farm transforms into a winter wonderland of lights and colors. The festival features a variety of light displays and installations that are spread throughout the farm, creating a visually stunning and immersive experience.
The event usually features:
Light Displays: The festival features a variety of light displays, including illuminated trees, tunnels of lights, and other creative and colorful installations.
Food and Beverages: Visitors can enjoy a variety of food and beverages at the festival, including hot drinks and snacks to warm up.
Entertainment and Performances: The festival often includes live music, performances and other entertainment.
Family-Friendly Activities: The festival often includes a variety of family-friendly activities, such as hayrides, games and crafts.
Special events: The festival may include special events such as tree lighting ceremony, fireworks, and other festive celebrations.
It's important to note that Hikari is a seasonal event and the exact details and activities may vary depending on the year, so we recommend checking the farm's website or social media accounts for updates and more information.
Christmas Tree Lot and Holiday Market
In addition to the regular berry picking and farm activities, Tanaka Farm also offers a Christmas Tree Lot and Holiday Market during the holiday season.
Christmas Tree Lot: The farm usually has a Christmas Tree lot where you can find fresh, high-quality Christmas Trees in various sizes and types, such as Douglas Fir, Noble Fir and more. You can choose and cut your own tree or select one that has already been cut. The farm will also provide a shaking and netting service to make it easier to transport your tree home.
Holiday Market: The farm also sets up a Holiday Market where visitors can find Christmas decorations, holiday-themed crafts, and other unique and locally made gifts. The market will feature vendors selling their own products, such as handmade ornaments, wreaths, candles, and more.
Special events: The farm may also host special events during the holiday season, such as carol singing, visits from Santa Claus, and other festive activities.
It's important to note that the Christmas Tree Lot and Holiday Market are seasonal events and are available only during the Christmas holiday season, so we recommend checking the farm's website or social media accounts for updates and more information, as well as their hours of operation and availability.
Hana Field by Tanaka Farms š»
Hana Field by Tanaka Farms is a beautiful flower field located at 427 Anton Boulevard in Costa Mesa, CA 92626. The farm is situated at the corner of Sunflower and Anton, and entry to parking and check-in is located on Anton Blvd.
Visitors can pick their own flowers during the spring and summer seasons. The farm offers a variety of different flowers to pick, including roses, peonies, sunflowers, daisies, and more. The variety of flowers changes depending on the season.
It is important to note that visitors must bring their own cutting utensils as the sunflowers have very thick stems and a sharp cutter or serrated knife is required. Gardening gloves are also recommended, especially if you have sensitive skin. The farm does have a limited supply of cutters available for purchase.
It's important to note that the Hana Field by Tanaka Farms is a seasonal event and the exact details and availability may vary depending on the year, so we recommend checking the farm's website or social media accounts for updates and more information, as well as their hours of operation and availability.
Hana Field Pumpkin Patch
Hana Field Pumpkin Patch is a seasonal pumpkin patch experience that is perfect for families and kids. Visitors can pick their own pumpkins from the pumpkin patch during the fall season.
The farm offers a wide variety of pumpkins to choose from, including traditional orange pumpkins, white pumpkins, and unique varieties such as blue and green pumpkins. The pumpkin patch also features a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. Activities may include hayrides, corn mazes, and pumpkin decorating stations.
The fields can get quite muddy, so closed-toe shoes that you don't mind getting dirty are a must. It's important to note that Hana Field Pumpkin Patch is a seasonal event and the exact details and availability may vary depending on the year.
Birthdays and private parties at Tanaka Farm
Tanaka Farm offers birthday party and private event packages for families and groups who are looking to celebrate a special occasion at the farm. These packages typically include:
Exclusive use of the farm's party area: The farm sets aside a designated area for birthday parties and private events, which includes tables and chairs for guests to enjoy.
Guided tours of the farm: Party guests can take a guided tour of the farm to learn about the farm's operations and berry production.
U-pick experience: Party guests can pick their own berries as part of the party package.
Party favors: The farm provides party favors for guests, such as a small bag of fresh berries or a Tanaka Farm t-shirt.
Food and refreshments: The farm can provide food and refreshments for the party guests, such as sandwiches and drinks. or you can bring your own.
Customizable activities: The farm can work with party hosts to create a customized party experience that fits the group's interests and needs.
It's important to note that the party packages are customizable, and availability may depend on the season and the farm's schedule. We recommend visiting the farm's website or contacting them directly to inquire about availability, pricing and customization options for birthday parties and private events.
Address
Tanaka farm is located at 5380 3/4 University Drive, Irvine, CA 92612. You can contact them by calling 949.653.2100 or emailing them at info@tanakafarms.com.
For all other events and happenings at the farm, visit Tanaka Farm's official website.
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